Nevada Thespian Bylaws

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NEVADA THESPIANS

By-laws

Approved 08/02/2025

NAME: The name of this organization shall be NEVADA THESPIANS, a division of the International Thespian Society and the Educational Theatre Association and adheres to that organization's by-laws and philosophy.
MISSION: The mission of NEVADA THESPIANS shall be to create an artistic, safe creative space where students, teachers, and community can build connections, while cultivating emotional/mental wellness to share ideas and support the effort to have theatre arts recognized in all phases of education and lifelong learning.
PURPOSE: The purpose of NEVADA STATE THESPIANS is to

Promote high professional standards through collaborative education
Cultivate support to sustain and grow Nevada Thespians.
Honor the work and recognize student, educational, and professional achievement in the state of Nevada
Produce educational events and programming to expand knowledge and skills
Promote students work, and its representation to the public
Celebrate and advocate for theatre arts throughout our state

MEMBERSHIP: Membership to NEVADA THESPIANS is automatic to any secondary school in Nevada upon joining the International Thespian Society, and by following the rules and by-laws set up by that organization. Information on chartering a troupe can be found online at schooltheatre.org,

The Nevada Thespian Adult State Board is comprised of two very important parts: an a full-time adult Executive Board, and an Advisory Board.

The EXECUTIVE BOARD is comprised of members at least 21 years of age and at least 4 years post high school graduation and who have

Served on the board for at least a year
Participates in all (local/regional) NV thespians events/conferences for that year
Attends any emergency board meetings or communicates the need for absence.
Attends scheduled Nevada Thespian Board Meetings including conference set up meetings.

~To remain on the Executive Board you may have no more than 3 excused absences or 1 unexcused absence from meetings. For excused absences, the expectation is the board member missing the meeting will review and comment on the missed meeting minutes before the next scheduled meeting.

Fulfill the duties and tasks of their specific board position.
Attend the annual state board retreat (generally in end of July/beginning of Aug).
The following roles must be filled by members of the Executive Board

5.1.1 One Chapter Director or Two Co-Chapter Directors

5.1.2 One Treasurer

5.1.3 One Secretary

5.1.4 The Executive Board may also include Region Chairs

5.2 An ADVISORY BOARD may consist of any number of members (Troupe Directors, Emeritus Members, Alumni and other industry professionals) ADVISORY Board members may serve in more than one role.

5.2.1 Is comprised of individuals who wish to be a part of the board to assist with conferences, discuss issues, policies, and ideas, but are not able to attend all meetings and events.

5.2.2 Advisory Board Member 21 and over and post 4-years high school may obtain voting status by attending a majority of the Board Meetings

5.3 Any of the following roles may be filled by members of the Executive Board or the Advisory Board

Regional Chairs (coordinators for central, northern and rural events)
Thespys Adjudicators Chair
Thespys Registration Chair
Workshop/Guest Artist Chair
Hospitality Chair (includes meals)
Advocacy Chair
College Auditions Chair
Community Outreach and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Chair (includes feedback surveys)
Awards Chair (Honor Troupe as well as medals, plaques, ribbons etc)
Junior Thespians Chair
Professional Development and Mentorship Chair
International Thespian Student Leadership Council [ITSLC] (formerly STO) and Social Media Chair
Risk Management Chair (includes background checks)
Web Developer
Alumni

TERMS OF OFFICE AND ELECTIONS:
1. Executive Board

Chapter Director

6.1.11 The role of Chapter Director may be filled by one person or two

people, sharing the role as “Co Chapter Directors.” When Co Chapter Directors serve together, they each have their own vote on all voting matters. When a single person fills the role of Chapter Director, they only have one vote on all voting matters.A Chapter Director shall serve a four year term (calendar year August 1 to July 31) following the guidelines set by the EdTA.

6.1.12 Upon the completion of the current Chapter Director’s final term, Voting shall take place in accordance with the guidelines set by EdTA. See document: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16JwuCeLnr6FV6H3_hPQ_jAx89Ps0go-8/view?usp=sharing

6.1.2 Treasurer

6.1.22 The Treasurer is elected by a vote of the Governing Board (Executive and advisory Board members).

6.1.23 A Treasurer shall serve a two year term (calendar year July to June) and there is no limit to the number of terms in which they may serve.

6.1.24 In order to be eligible to serve as Treasurer, a member must have served at least one term on the advisory Board.

6.1.3 Secretary

6.1.31 The Secretary is appointed by the Governing Board (Executive and advisory Board members).

6.1.32 A Secretary shall serve a two year term (calendar year July to June) and there is no limit to the number of terms in which they may serve.

6.1.33 The Secretary should not be a Chapter Director unless they are serving as Co-Chapter Director

6.1.34 In order to be eligible to serve as Secretary, a member must have served at least one term on the advisory Board.

6.1.4 Region Chairs

6.1.41 Regional chairs are to be elected by a vote of the Governing Board

6.1.42 Each region chair must reside in the region they represent.

Geographic regional areas are: Northern Nevada, Central Nevada and Rural Nevada

6.1.43 A Regional Chair shall serve a two year term (calendar year July to June) and there is no limit to the number of terms in which they may serve.

Only members of the standing Executive Board or members of the Advisory Board who have served at least one year may run for open positions on the Executive board or be elected as a replacement to finish the term of an Executive member who is unable or unwilling to finish their term.

At the end of an Executive Board member’s term, that member may self-nominate or be nominated by other Executive or advisory Board member to serve a new term.

The term of office will be from July 1 through June 30

Advisory Board

Service on the advisory Board is open-ended, members may roll on or off at any time
To become an advisory Board member, a candidate must submit the application permanently located on the Nevada State Thespians website.
Thespian Troupe directors and theatre professional candidates interested in serving may submit the application at any time.
As the need for more advisory Board members arises, a call is made for Thespian Troupe directors and theatre professional candidates to submit the application.
At the annual board retreat or throughout the year as needed, applications are reviewed and all new advisory Board members are appointed to committees and tasks that best fit the applicants’ area(s) of interest and ability.
New Advisory Board members are given actionable tasks and job

descriptions.

To become an Advisory Board member, a candidate may simply ask or be invited by a current Executive Board member.

Removal of a Board Member
1. A Chapter Board Member may be removed by a two-thirds vote of their Chapter Board or by a two-thirds vote of the EdTA Board for non-compliance with the Chapter Agreement or Chapter Governance Policy. If a vacancy occurs, the Chapter Board must notify the EdTA.
2. Chapter Director Only: Chapter Support Team may appoint an Interim Chapter Director within 30 days. If no appointment is made, the EdTA Chapter Support Team may nominate an Interim Chapter Director or move to terminate the chapter with EdTA Board approval. Upon approval the Interim Chapter Director will be assigned, or the chapter may be terminated.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CHAPTER BOARD:
1. MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD SHALL:
  - Have fiduciary responsibility to the organization. NOTE: Any vote that impacts the financial stability reputation, investment strategy, any physical or material asset, or carries any potential risk to the organization, is a vote that should be taken by the Executive Board.
  - Attend EdTA’s Leadership Summit when Chapter finances allow
  - Attend as many Chapter Board Meetings as possible, including the annual retreat for Chapter Board Members
  - Have a vote on any governance decisions.
  - Maintain a Governance Committee that regularly reviews governance documents and proposes changes to be approved.
  - Chair Event Committees
  - Coordinate Student Thespian Officers (STO) and serve as their liaison to the Executive Board
  - Keep an accurate record of all expenditures and income and present an annual report.
  - Record and post minutes of all meetings
  - Recruit new troupes into NEVADA THESPIANS
  - Meet at Thespian events with troupe directors and educators from Nevada schools.
  - Encourage Troupe Directors and other professional members who volunteer to help at events to apply for the advisory Board
2. THE CHAPTER DIRECTOR(S) SHALL:
  - Attend EdTA’s Leadership Summit and all Chapter Board Meetings (or have at least have one Chapter Director or a board representative present if Co-Chapter Directors are serving)
  - Plan the agendas for all Chapter Board Meetings
  - Communicate with all troupe directors via a newsletter.
  - Appoint committee heads as deemed necessary.
  - Notify Thespian troupes and interested non-affiliated schools in advance of upcoming competitions, including rules and registration forms.
  - Serve as public relations, spokesperson and ambassador for Nevada State Thespians.
  - Communicate all event documents and risk management paperwork to the EdTA.
  - The Chapter Director(s) shall be reimbursed for all travel expenses dealing with NEVADA STATE THESPIANS.
  - If Co-Chapter Directors exist one of the two may also act as Co-Treasurer
  - Sign checks along with the Treasurer
  - The Chapter Director may also serve as a Regional Chair.
  - Hold knowledge of state and federal filing requirements and deadlines
3. THE TREASURER SHALL:
  - Maintain the organization’s budget, accounting & financial recording
  - Ensures non-profit’s financial stability
  - Advises board on financial impacts of decisions
  - Provide regular financial reports to Board
  - Completes all required federal and state financial forms
  - Sign checks along with the Chapter Director(s)
  - If Co-Chapter Directors exist one of the two may also act as Co-Treasurer
  - The Treasurer may also serve as a Regional Chair.
4. THE SECRETARY SHALL:
  - Maintain organization’s minutes
  - Ensure meetings / procedures comply with organizations bylaws
  - Keep organizational records
  - Take and distribute meeting minutes
  - Facilitate board communications
  - If Co-Chapter Directors exist one of the two may also act as Co-Secretary
  - The Secretary may also serve as a Regional Chair.
5. THE REGION CHAIRS SHALL:
  - Coordinate committees to run events hosted in their region
  - Serve the needs of members and troupes in their region
  - Reside in the region for which they represent
6. THE ADVISORY BOARD SHALL:
  - Prepare in advance for meetings (Pre-read materials and agenda)
  - Engage in healthy, productive discussion
  - Make decisions based on organizations best interests and its mission
  - Ensure organization has resources needed to sustain itself
  - Protect the organization’s assets
  - Behave ethically
  - Attend Chapter Board meetings whenever possible
  - Serve as a member on one or more event planning committee and attend relevant meetings
  - Recruit new Troupes into NEVADA STATE THESPIANS and JUNIOR THESPIANS.
  - Encourage Troupe Directors and other professional members who volunteer to help at events to apply for the advisory Board
  - Be available to give input in the governance of the organization
  - May earn voting status on the subject being discussed by attending the majority of Chapter Board meetings.

Student Thespian Officers (STO):
1. Each student member shall be selected for a term of one year and announced at the annual State Thespian Conference.
2. Any active inducted Thespian of good standing may apply for office.
EVENTS:
1. Annual Events:
  - Annual Fall Teacher Inservice
  - Annual Leadership or Leadership/Technical Theatre Conference
    1. Sometimes split by region
  - Regional Thespy and Short Play Festivals: Northern, Rural, two Southern
  - The annual Nevada Thespian Conference
  - One annual board retreat and various event committee meetings

Event Cancellation:
- In the event that a Nevada Thespian Event should be canceled due to unforeseen circumstances by the organization, registration fees will be refunded.
- There are no refunds for schools who cancel their participation.

TRAVEL & REIMBURSEMENT
1. Each Executive Board member may be reimbursed for all travel dealing with NEVADA STATE THESPIANS with board approval.
2. With board approval, each advisory Board member may also be reimbursed.
3. Mileage reimbursement will be made at the standard IRS rate per mile for all miles over 40.
CHANGES TO THE BYLAWS
1. Changes to the Bylaws may be proposed by any active member to the Executive Board. The Executive Board will present the original section of the by-laws, the proposed change(s), and the rationale for the change.
2. Bylaw changes will be presented to the membership as a separate vote at the same time as the annual election of the Executive Board. Changes must have majority approval by Executive and advisory board members of NEVADA THESPIANS, with voting results announced at the Annual State Conference.
3. If approved, the change(s) will be immediately implemented by the Executive Board

Adopted__08/02/2025__________

Chapter Director: Sharon Chadwick

Chapter Director :Krysta Phenix